Finland and Lockheed Martin Celebrate Historic Arrival of First Finnish F-35
PR Newswire•01/10/2026•11:00 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤Finland receives first two permanently based F-35A aircraft.
- ➤Finland has received 10 of its 64 F-35A aircraft.
- ➤Patria became the first non-Lockheed Martin company to produce F-35 forward fuselages.
- ➤F-35 program selected by 20 allied nations, including 13 in Europe.
Expert Statements
Timo Herranen, Major General and Commander of the Finnish Air Force
“What begins here is the introduction of a 5th Generation system built for the security environment we actually live in”
Timo Herranen, Major General and Commander of the Finnish Air Force
“The F-35 was chosen because it is designed for an environment like ours. Flying the F-35, our pilots can do the mission and come home to fly the next round. A 5th Generation aircraft that can see farther but not be seen, share information faster, strike accurately and survive longer is not a luxury here. It is a requirement.”
OJ Sanchez, President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
“The arrival of Finland's first F-35 is about far more than a new aircraft—it is about strengthening the nation's ability to deter aggression, defend its sovereignty and secure its future”
OJ Sanchez, President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
“As Finland continues to play an increasingly important role in Nordic, European and NATO security, the F-35 will provide a powerful, connected capability that will help the Finnish Defence Forces meet the demands of an evolving security environment. We are proud to stand with Finland as it brings this critical capability home.”
Finland and Lockheed Martin Celebrate Historic Arrival of First Finnish F-35 PR Newswire
ROVANIEMI, Finland, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Finland celebrated the arrival of its first two permanently based F-35A aircraft in country, marking the beginning of a new era of 5th Generation capability for the Finnish Defence Forces.
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